Suilad-
It’s been sometime since I’ve posted anything. Funny how creative writing works—you have seven different journals for your multiple hobbies and interests. Not that there's anything wrong with that —stares intently at stack of several notebooks/journals—.
However, I do wish I remembered to bring everything together into a single format more often.
The past few months have been absolutely, incredibly busy. Emphasis on the incredible part, because boy, did I have some great adventures.
After completing my psoriasis treatment, I really felt the urge to be more adventurous and outgoing. I’m not going to stay young and beautiful forever—pretty sure there’s a Lana Del Rey song about that, haha.
Anyway, long story short: I bought myself a ticket to California for a festival LARP known as Neotropolis.
The Adventure Begins
The months of planning and saving were grueling. But planning my outfits? A+. I spent weeks reading up on the rules and lore, creating a backstory for my character with the group of friends I was going with, even coming up with a group name. It all led to one of the biggest build-ups of my life.
Getting myself to California was no small feat, considering I live literally on the other side of the country. Many a delayed flight later, we finally arrived. Just stepping off the plane, the adrenaline hit me—hard.
I don’t travel. Like, ever. So all the planning, packing, and prepping? Torture. But now, looking back, I’m really glad I put myself through it.
The first few days were spent scouting out local stores and supply spots near our hotel. You can camp at Neo, but we were in desperate need of hot showers.
Enter the Multiverse
Finally, Day 1 of Neo arrived. I made sure my outfit was on point, accessories locked in, and my bartering goods were packed in one of my many pockets. I was ready.
As we drove through the Mojave Desert—oh yeah, it's in a desert—I could feel my heart racing. Neotropolis is a cyberpunk LARP set in a multiverse, specifically on the planet Kepler-609c. What kind of adventures lay in store? What new connections would I make? The excitement was dizzying.
After a brief but thorough check-in (they take safety and security very seriously), we were in.
We entered the Theme Zone, a massive area where friend groups create interactive spaces for roleplaying, hanging out, and of course—drinking. The event is 18+ and caters to the futuristic side in all of us. Neon lights, wires wrapped around bodies, bodies wrapped around other bodies… It literally felt like stepping into a raw, living, breathing cyberpunk world.
I was instantly engrossed. I wanted to see and experience everything.
Life on Kepler-609c
The event runs for five straight days—Wednesday through Sunday—and the party never stops. LARP missions end around 6 PM, giving you time to let loose and spend all the hard-earned NeoCreds you collected during the day.
NeoCreds are the currency of Kepler and your ticket to bars, bartering, and missions. Most of Neo runs on a barter system, which makes every interaction feel personal and immersive.
As the days progressed, it just kept getting better. My group decided to join one of the three primary factions: Endline, a mercenary group offering independent security contracts outside of local law enforcement, aka The Sentinels (who, by the way, everyone loves to mess with—they’re awesome about roleplaying with attendees).
Nights Like No Other
At night, Neotropolis truly comes alive. Hookah lounges, nightclubs, private parties, sake bars—this environment makes you feel like the main character in a blockbuster video game.
And if you're not a drinker? No worries—there are plenty of non-alcoholic options available too.
Consent is always a top priority here. There are even hand signals for just about every comfort level, making sure everyone feels safe and respected.
Neotropolis is so popular that even well-known California locals like Matt Mercer, the cast and crew of Critical Role, Dimension 20, and more are known to attend. They’re great about interacting with fans, but remember—they're here to have fun too, so always be respectful.
I was lucky enough to have a few interactions with them, and I can say without a doubt—they are some of the most humble and decent people you'll ever meet.
Pic of myself beying Ify
Wrapping It Up (for Now)
All in all, Neotropolis was by far the most courageous LARP I’ve ever attended. I will definitely be going again next year—and probably for years to come.
The friends I made, the memories I carry—they're all so precious and worth every ounce of money, time, and effort it took to get there.
And Then… Florida
So now… on to Florida.
Yep, just weeks after returning from Neotropolis, I had a wedding to attend in Pensacola, Florida, for one of my closest spirit companions, Raven.
She and her husband, Rob, had what I can only describe as the most well-planned and beautifully executed wedding I’ve ever attended. Three beach houses were rented out for guests, and every dinner, activity, and outing was covered ahead of time. Honestly, it felt more like a vacation than a wedding. From dolphin tours and a turtle sanctuary to a guided trip through Fort Pickens—it was magical.
I spent so much time on the beaches gathering shells and marveling at the wildlife. We even saw a green sea turtle in the wild! It was absolutely majestic.
But what truly made the experience special was the time we spent together, bonding like one big family. Karaoke, beach dates, moonrises, and sunsets… everything was so beautiful.
I was honored to be part of the wedding ceremony, assisting in officiating the handfasting portion of the nuptials. Handfasting is an ancient Celtic tradition of spiritually binding two people together. Traditionally, a couple would be bound for a year and a day to see if the marriage was a good fit—if not, they could part ways with no hard feelings. This is where we get the concept of “engagement.” If the couple decided to stay together, they would then “tie the knot” with a ceremonial cord, into which a destiny knot would be tied by the officiant.
It was beautiful to be a part of such a sacred moment, right there on Opal Beach.
The amount of opportunities I’ve had this year alone is astounding. From attending incredible trips to working events like Spactacular and Pride, I’m so honored to be part of so many amazing communities.
I set the intention that this would be the year of travel, experiences, and dream manifesting—and let me tell you, it’s delivering. And it's only June! There are still adventures ahead—from Salem to the SSP NE Shamanic Retreat in October, and possibly another visit to Florida.
The most important thing is making sure I continue caring for my body so I can keep up with this busy, vibrant life. Fitting in time for ourselves is just as important as having fun. I’m doing my best to remember that. Time for the gym, a healthy diet, and good sleep—all help us push forward through both the joys and challenges of life.
I can’t wait to see what’s in store as life continues to unfold. Living in the present, working hard, and playing just as hard. Life’s too short not to appreciate the beauty in every moment, emotion, and memory.
I suppose that’s a wrap on this little catch-up blurb.
Thanks for stopping by, and blessings as we move forward.
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